MN weather: Snowy roads lead to 472 crashes, 596 vehicles off the road

Crews continue to clear roads after snowstorm

Following the first measurable snowfall working its way throughout Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) crews are full steam ahead to get roads cleared before holiday travel. MnDOT’s Anne Meyer joins FOX 9 to offer the latest updates.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The first snowstorm of the season has led to numerous crashes on roadways in the Twin Cities metro and across Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Crashes on Minnesota roads

Dozens of incidents reported on snowy MN roads [6:30 a.m. update]

Speeds are reduced, with roads covered in snow and/or ice in the Twin Cities metro for the morning commute. More than a dozen incidents are ongoing on area roadways as of 6:30 a.m.

By the numbers:

There have been hundreds of crashes on Minnesota roads between noon on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. The Minnesota State Patrol reported there have been a total of 472 property damage crashes, 596 vehicles off the road, 55 jackknifed semis, 38 injury crashes, and 23 vehicle spinouts. 

The State Patrol said just between 6 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, there were 220 vehicles off the road, 183 property damage crashes, 7 injury-related crashes, 12 vehicle spinouts, and 24 jackknifed semis. 

With less than ideal driving conditions, drivers should remember to slow down, plan for traffic delays, be patient with snowplows, turn on your headlights, wear your seat belt and put the distractions away, according to the State Patrol. 

Minnesota road conditions 

MN road conditions: Jackknifed semi-truck, slow going [5:30 a.m. update]

It's still snowing in the Twin Cities, but it's expected to end over the next couple of hours. This will help road conditions improve throughout the day Wednesday. However, blustery conditions on Wednesday could lead to blowing snow for some. Roads are listed as partially covered in snow in the Twin Cities metro, while they're completely covered with snow in northern Minnesota. There have been some traffic incidents on area roadways, including a jackknifed semi-truck in Woodbury. A stalled vehicle was also reported on I-94 near 169.

Big picture view:

Compacted snow and ice on roads are causing problems on area roadways. There are about a dozen different incidents across the Twin Cities metro as of 6 a.m., including on I-35W from Bloomington to Burnsville, where MnDOT is reporting ice-covered roads. 

MnDOT lifted a no travel advisory in west central Minnesota after falling and blowing snow led to low visibility, though the State Patrol said roads in the region are still extremely slippery as of Wednesday morning. 

Find the latest road conditions here. 

Snow wrapping up Wednesday 

MN weather: Snow ends; quiet and cold Thanksgiving

The snow will end Wednesday morning, but it'll remain blustery. Expect a quiet and cold Thanksgiving, before it turns even colder for the start of December.

What's next:

A winter storm warning is in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday for much of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro. There will be a bit more snow falling this morning, until about 7 or 8 a.m. But blustery conditions remain for much of the day. Find the latest weather alerts here. 

READ MORE: MN weather: Snow totals so far from Tuesday-Wednesday’s storm

The heaviest snowfall will likely stay in central and northern Minnesota. Areas from Alexandria, the Brainerd Lakes Area, St. Cloud, through Pine City into northwestern Wisconsin.